LEE HARTGRAVE REVIEWSJuly 22, 2009
Both a little Grey-er
DICK GREGORY - MORT SAHL - TERRIFIC
It’s a ‘two for one’ exhilarating evening of satire and political fun. Dick Gregory has still got that sparkle that made him one of the World’s most sought after headline performers. Gregory keeps the audience fired up with his jabs about everyone and everything. No one is safe as he rolls out the puns. He also makes fun of himself, his culture and our culture. “I’m early – because you know what they say about Black Folk!”
Gregory talks about his life. “I’m 76 and my wife is 71. And there are no prescription drugs between us.” Gregory is an anti-drug crusader and nutritionist. He is all about healthy living. And at 76, he still can jump on and off the stage. “Now, Mort Sahl who is coming up next is older than me. So, laugh hard and clap real loud -- you may see someone die up here.” – he sez.
Just about that time a Cell phone goes off. Gregory looks up to the ceiling. “Is that you Lord? That Cell phone ring sounded like the bill was not paid.” It was a very annoying ring, but got lots of laughs.
As a matter of fact, everything that Gregory said on stage brought bent over laughs from everyone in the audience. Gregory is also a philosopher: “The people that run the world have never worked.” That is not only funny – but, true, in my book. That is why everyone loves Gregory -- he has a way of making fun out of the hidden truths.
Though, most of his comments on life are about today -- he does go back into history now and then to let us know how it was way back then. “When I grew up there was no T.V. We just listened to Tap Dancers on the Radio.”
This knocked the audience out of their chairs: “Cigarettes will give you Cancer. Oral Sex will not give you Cancer!” Some People have called Gregory the Black Mort Sahl (who follows Gregory in the show). And Gregory’s friends call Sahl the “White Dick Gregory.” They both draw their material from current events, politics and social movements.
Gregory is a Master Comic. He’s subtle -- but, Oh – so powerful!
MORT SAHL – AN EXTRAORDINARY STORY TELLER “I’m older than Dick Gregory. I just paid off my student loan”, Sahl sez.
About Obama: “The President is the only guy that has bigger ears than Ross Perot.” A lot of the time Sahl admits – “everything I say is true – oh, sure I do embellish a bit.” Like this one: - “Home Depot put out a notice that they were looking for help. The parking lot was full of people looking for jobs. Sarah Palin was there – she was the only one they didn’t hire.”
Mort Sahl is the Political Comedy God. Not only has he been one of the most enduring stage performers in the world. Sahl has also written for the movies, T.V. and other comedians.
Sahl may be older, but he still has that great strong voice, and his memory is sharp as a tack as are his sly insights into the political pot. That pot never stops stirring, and Sahl keeps up with what’s going on. He had the current New York Times with him. “I get all my ideas from the Newspaper he says. Yes, in Sahl’s world – Newspapers are more than just the funnies – they are a Gold Mine of material about the upside down world of politicians.
Sahl sometimes delves into other areas. “Lets take Gay Marriage. Which I’m in favor of. Why should THEY be happy.” Good question and answer – and funny as hell. He continues with that subject. Oscar Wilde. He wrote: ‘It is love that dare not speak its name’ Now it won’t shut up!”
AS A WRTIER, MORT SAHL IS CREDITED WITH 18 SCREENPLAYS AND HAS BEEN A SPEECH WRITER FOR 3 PRESIDENTS. And he tells many funny stories about these presidents. Surprisingly even Ronald Reagan was funny. And George Bush junior also came out with a few zingers. Maybe he missed his real calling. Just wondering.
Sahl and Gregory are both “Utterly Irreverent! This show is full of uproarious surprises and laughs. Terrific guys. They both fire up the stage. Don’t miss! Every gesture and glance is perfection.
RATING: FOUR GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!!! (highest rating) – trademarked –
When you go: The Rrazz Room. Hotel Nikko Through July 26, 8pm
222 Mason http://www.therrazzroom.com/.
Or 866-468-3399.
http://www.twitter.com/famereporter
More reviews: http://www.beyondchron.org/
TAGS: Comedy, fun, comedians, stage, movies, fame, famous, humor
No comments:
Post a Comment